Rice Owls 2026 Preview
Rice went 5-8 (2-6 in the American). Here is what changed on the roster, the full 2026 schedule, and where they rank going into the season.
What changed for Rice in 2026
- Starting QB from last season is gone. UCF transfer Jacurri Brown is expected to start (3-5, 97 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT in 3 games played)
- Quinton Jackson returns at RB after a 2025 season of 889 yards and 6 TDs
- Top three players in terms of receiving yards from last season are gone, with the top returner being Payton Matthews (93 yards, 0 TDs)
- Returning two starting offensive lineman with one transfer expected to start
- Returning four starters on defense, with the top returner being LB Jo Chavez (40 tackles). Three transfers are expected to start, including Sacramento State transfer S Koa Akui (62 tackles, 5 INTs - T-4th in FCS)
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Fact checking by Brady Kommes; cover art by Pace Maier.
Rice Owls 2026 schedule
| Game | Opponent | Site |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston Christian | Home |
| 2 | Notre Dame | Away |
| 3 | Western Michigan | Home |
| 4 | Fresno State | Away |
| 5 | UTSA | Home |
| 6 | East Carolina | Away |
| 7 | Tulsa | Home |
| 8 | Florida Atlantic | Away |
| 9 | North Texas | Away |
| 10 | Tulane | Home |
| 11 | Temple | Away |
| 12 | Army | Home |
Get the printable Rice Owls 2026 schedule with kickoff times and TV, sized for one page.
More American previews
Related reading
Rice Owls betting FAQ
Rice Owls play 12 games in 2026, 6 at home. They open against Houston Christian. The full schedule is listed on this page.
Rice is outside Kyle Kommes's preseason Top 25 for 2026.
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